Filipinos can now go to Taiwan visa-free starting June

In an announcement made by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Taiwan will be introducing a “visa exemption trial program” for Philippine nationals for one year.

Kaohsiung City, Taiwan’s largest municipality by area

Starting June 1, 2017, Filipinos may now enjoy a visa-free travel to Taiwan under the newly-released visa rules for countries under Southbound policy. This simplified regulations included 10 members of ASEAN Nations to attract more travelers to visit Taiwan for “short-term tourism, business, visits to relatives, and cultural exchanges.” This trial period ends on July 31, 2018, as reported on a Taiwanese news website as per PhilStar’s article.

This visa-free travel is valid for 30 days. Last year, Taiwan also eased its visa regulations in the Philippines but the Republic of China (ROC) MOFA relaxed its rules anew starting this June 1.

Lanyang Museum in Yilan County, Taiwan

According to MOFA, these adjustments are made following consultations with other ministries, as this policy intends to attract nationals from Southeast and South Asian countries for tourism and business purposes.

Since 2001, I no longer went to Taiwan because of harsh visa documentations. Many years ago I mentioned to Taiwan officials touring the Philippines about relaxing their strict requirements. And now most choose China as the preferred tourist destination.